Dr. Phillips Center Orlando | KV Photography | Mikaela & Rick

How did you both meet?

Our mutual friend James Brocato introduced us at a concert that James and Rick were the opening band for back in June of 2018. The timing wasn’t quite right yet, but James was adamant that we were the perfect match and about five months later our paths crossed again at The House of Blues and the rest is history.

How was the proposal?

Rick and I were on vacation in Asheville, NC in December of 2021. We had planned to do a sunrise hike one morning and woke up super early. On our drive up the mountain we ran into some road closures and had to go the long way around. Rick was determined to do a sunrise proposal, so he pulled into an overlook and set up the camera to record but told me we were taking a photo. Then, he proceeded to get down on one knee!

What was your wedding inspiration? (think decor, overall theme and feel of the day, etc)

We wanted a very modern but timeless wedding. We choose black and white as our main color palette and added in touches of gold to give it the holiday wedding feel.

What was your favorite design element of your wedding?

We loved every design aspect! We truly enjoyed making it a special day to remember for ourselves but also for our guests. Our champagne wall that also doubled as our seating chart was incredible! We felt it added a fun greeting and who doesn’t want to be greeted with a glass of champagne!

Describe some of your favorite wedding details and how you came up with them.

To honor Rick’s Greek heritage, we opted to do a modern version of the Greek Crowning Ceremony. It truly personalized our ceremony and made it feel unique and special to us as a couple. Also, we selected fun walk-out songs for each bridesmaid and groomsman pair for their grand reception entrances, and didn’t tell them in advance. It definitely made for great reactions and dance moves in our wedding video & photos. In addition, instead of tossing the bouquet and garter, we handed them off to the couple we hoped would get married next! It was my maid of honor and her boyfriend, and they got engaged less than three months after our wedding. 

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day?

First kiss as husband and wife. Additionally, Rick getting up onstage during our reception to play with his fellow band members!

Please describe your cake (if any):

Our cake was extra special to me because my Granny made it! It was a four-tier design. In addition, it had white buttercream frosting on the outside and a sweet vanilla and lemon curd flavor on the inside. The cake topper was made by our dear friend, Meredith Herman who owns her own shop, Tassel and Trim!

Can you please list your vendors:

Venue: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Photographer: KV Photography. Wedding Planner: Envy Lifestyle & Event Design. Bride’s Dress Designer: Pronovias. Dress Boutique: Calvet Couture. Bride’s Rings: Victoria Jewelers. Groom’s Ring: Tiffany & Co. Videographer: Iz and Liz Films. Cake: Bride’s Grandmother. Florist: BJ’s Flowers and Plants. Band: Audio Exchange. DJ: DJ Mynd. String Quartet: Classern Quartet. Decor Rentals: Ocean Hawk’s Rentals. Chair Rentals: A Chair Affair. Dance Floor: Letz Dance On It. Sound/Lighting: Allied Sound. Hair & Makeup: LeJeune Artistry. Signage Decor: Tassel and Trim. Invitations: Vohandmade. Bridesmaid Dress: Bella Bridesmaids by Hayley Paige.

Any advice for those planning their wedding now?

Don’t over complicate aspects of your big day! Of course, a lot of planning goes into it but the more complex, the more room for error. There were a few things I wanted to add, like a champagne tower in our reception but ultimately decided against it. I knew if someone knocked it over, I would have been upset and I only wanted to walk away with joyous memories from our wedding day. 
Also, don’t let others influence your decisions. Your day is for you and your future wife/husband. Make decisions based on what is going to bring the two of you the most joy and don’t worry about making everyone else happy. 

What was your biggest surprise on your wedding day?

The cake cutting for both of us! Secondly, I ended up shoving cake in Rick’s face, after he so graciously fed it to me and it was totally unplanned. 

What one moment will last with you both forever?

Hearing the ones we love the most give their speeches.

What song did you walk down the aisle to?

I walked down the aisle to Canon in D, performed by the lovely Classern Quartet.

What song played for your first dance?

Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls.

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?

Starting a family!

What did you like the most about working with KV Photography?

The fact that they’re a couple! I hadn’t given it much thought prior to our wedding day, but having another married couple by your side and photographing you on your wedding day felt extra special! 

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